Sri Lankan delegation to UNHRC reaches Geneva

Mexico state of Guerrero, officials said Thursday.Residents began burying the victims even as a video posted on social media showed men who identified themselves as the Tequileros gang claiming responsibility for the mass shooting.The Guerrero state security council said gunmen burst into the town hall in the village of San Miguel Totolapan Wednesday and opened fire on a meeting the mayor was holding with other officials.Among the dead were Mayor Conrado Mendoza and his father, Juan Mendoza Acosta, a former mayor of the town. Most of the other victims were believed to be local officials.The walls of the town hall, which were surrounded by children’s fair rides at the time, were left riddled with bullets.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Health has decided to conduct a study on the quality of food being consumed by Sri Lankans.Its Food Control Unit said the study hopes to establish the quality of both imported and locally produced foods.The unit also said that more than 25 types of essential foods will be selected for this study, and the collection of samples is to start next month.In recent weeks concerns were raised over the quality of food items being imported to Sri Lanka, and thus the Health Ministry decided to conduct a study on the different types of food consumed by Sri Lankans.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Sri Lankan law enforcement personnel recovered 6.7 kg of heroin hidden inside a house in Siddhamulla, Piliyandala on Thursday (6) night.Police Spokesperson SSP & Attorney Nihal Thalduma told News 1st that the heroin was discovered following the interrogation of a suspect who was arrested earlier in Ambalangoda.He said that the suspects linked to the heroin discovery had fled the area.

Chrystia Freeland said Thursday while speaking on the bill at the Senate Committee.“This relief is really needed by people. That’s why I am very grateful to all the MPs in the House of Commons who decided to support the measure,” added Freeland, who sponsored the bill.The enactment amends the Income Tax Act in order to double the Goods and Sales Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) credit for six months.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A meeting of party leaders will be held today (7) at the parliament complex under the leadership of Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana.Final decisions will be made on the matters scheduled for next week during the parliament session.

2,529 new Covid infections. The active cases in the country has now declined to 30,362 from the earlier 32,282, ministry said.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The World Bank on Thursday (6) announced that debt restructuring and the implementation of a deep reform program are critical for Sri Lanka’s economic stabilization.Sri Lanka’s real GDP is expected to fall by 9.2 percent this year and a further 4.2 percent in 2023, said the World Bank in its twice-a-year update, underscoring the need for Sri Lanka to build resilience.Beset with Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, Pakistan’s catastrophic floods, a global slowdown, and impacts of the war in Ukraine, South Asia faces an unprecedented combination of shocks on top of the lingering scars of the COVID-19 pandemic, said the World Bank in a statement titled "Unprecedented Shocks Rattle South Asia, Exacerbating Challenges and Dampening Growth."“Protecting the vulnerable is critical as Sri Lanka fast tracks deep reforms to navigate the deepening economic crisis.The crisis calls for immediate action to protect the poorest and most in need while also focusing on strengthening the social protection system,” said Faris H. Hadad-Zervos, World Bank Country Director for Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka. “In the face of the economic crisis, poverty estimates doubled to 25.6 percent between 2021 and 2022, increasing the number of people living in poverty by 2.7 million.

Albertans will learn later Thursday who the new premier of the province will be.Voting is wrapping up by members of the United Conservative Party (UCP) to select a successor to Premier Jason Kenney. How Alberta’s UCP leadership race works Kenney announced in the spring he was leaving after receiving 51 per cent in a party leadership review.“I’m feeling great.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) approved power cuts of 2 hours and 20 minutes for today (7);Groups ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW:  1-hour during daytime 1-hour and 20-minutes during the night

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka will meet with the International Monetary Fund next week for another round of talks, said Governor of the Central Bank Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe on Thursday (6)."Next week, the State Finance Minister, Treasury Secretary and CBSL staff will meet the IMF for talks and we hope to continue with the discussions with creditor nations, and commercial creditors.

PHILADELPHIA - A Philadelphia mother is pleading for answers after police say her son was ambushed by gunfire in broad daylight while sitting outside their home.Theresa Guyton said she is still in shock about the brutal murder of her 19-year-old son Tahmir, who was gunned down Sept. 26 on the 600 block of 13th Street.The Philadelphia Police Department shared disturbing video of the deadly shooting that shows three gunmen emerge from a dark-colored Nissan Altima and ambush Tahmir with over 30 shots."He was shot 27 times," Guyton told FOX 29's Shawnette Wilson.

PHILADELPHIA - As city and community leaders try to find ways to protect kids from the gun violence crisis, a new program at several Philadelphia schools aims to keep students safe after the final bell rings.The folks in the blue vests outside West Philadelphia High School are community members paid to monitor dismissal, as part of the "Safe Path" program just instituted this year at eight Philly schools. The goal is to help reduce violence and make sure kids get home safely.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology says that several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North-Western provinces and Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle, and Matara districts.A few showers may occur in the Jaffna district during the morning.Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Uva, Eastern, and North-Central provinces and Vavuniya and Mullaitivu districts during the evening or night.The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.Condition of Rain:Showers will occur at times in the sea area off the coast extending from Kankasanturai to Batticaloa via Trincomalee. Showers will occur at a few places in the other sea areas around the Island.Winds:Winds will be south-westerly and wind speed will be (20-30) kmph.Wind speed may increase up to (50-55) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota. Wind speed may increase up to (40-45) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Matara via Colombo and Galle.State of Sea:The sea areas off the coast extending from Matara to Pottuvil will be rough at times. The sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Matara via Colombo and Galle will be fairly rough.

Abbey Clancy has shown off the spectacular results of her new health regime in a series of social media posts. The model, 36, has reportedly started daily Pilates sessions followed by a regular collagen drink to keep herself in shape and retain her glowing complexion.

WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden said Thursday that the risk of nuclear "Armageddon" is at the highest level since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, as Russian officials speak of the possibility of using tactical nuclear weapons after suffering massive setbacks in the eight-month invasion of Ukraine.Speaking at a fundraiser for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Biden said Russian President Vladimir Putin was "a guy I know fairly well" and the Russian leader was "not joking when he talks about the use of tactical nuclear weapons or biological or chemical weapons."Biden added, "We have not faced the prospect of Armageddon since Kennedy and the Cuban Missile Crisis." He suggested the threat from Putin is real "because his military is — you might say — significantly underperforming."Marine One carrying US President Joe Biden lands at the Wall Street landing zone in New York on Oct. 6, 2022.

Charlie Hunnam is in the midst of promoting his new Apple TV+ series “Shantaram”, which he filmed on location in India.

PHILADELPHIA - Authorities say two males have barricaded themselves inside a garage in North Philadelphia following a shootout that claimed the life of a teenager. According to police, the deadly exchange of gunfire happened just before 8 p.m.

EL PASO, Texas (AP) - A Mexican citizen was fatally shot at a U.S. Border Patrol station in Texas in the second deadly shooting along the U.S.-Mexico border in less than a week.The man was in custody at the Ysleta Border Patrol Station in El Paso on Tuesday when he was shot, U.S.

​COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka categorically rejected resolution A/HRC/51/L.1 (Rev.1) titled "Promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka" tabled by the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and the United States, which was adopted by a vote at the Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, on Thursday (6).Sri Lanka's Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry delivered the statement on behalf of Sri Lanka as the country concerned and called on the Members of the Council to reject the resolution by voting against it.In support of Sri Lanka’s position opposing the resolution, the delegation of Pakistan called for a vote. Over half of the members of the Council did not support the resolution with 07 countries (Bolivia, China, Cuba, Eritrea, Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Venezuela) voting against the resolution and 20 countries abstaining on the vote. 20 countries voted in favour of the resolution.Representatives of Pakistan, Brazil, China, Venezuela, Japan and Republic of Korea made statements in support of Sri Lanka prior to the vote.Pakistan said that they share the concerns of Sri Lanka and other Member States that the resolution is intrusive and this level of scrutiny would not be even acceptable to any sovereign state including the Core Group.

The Conservative party has called off an internal probe into how a misogynistic phrase was quietly used to promote Pierre Poilievre’s YouTube videos, as the political pressure mounts on Poilievre for an explanation and apology.

FILE - Tourist admire the Sistine Chapel, ahead of the re-opening of the Vatican Museums, at the Vatican City, on May 03, 2021. (Riccardo De Luca/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)An American tourist on Wednesday threw a tantrum and cracked two Roman busts in the Vatican Museums after officials denied him an audience with Pope Francis.The unidentified tourist, said to be in his fifties, was in the Chiaramonti Gallery when he requested to visit the pope.

NEW YORK (AP) - Amazon will hire 150,000 full-time, part-time and seasonal employees across its warehouses ahead of the holiday season.The announcement, made Thursday, shows the e-commerce behemoth is taking a less conservative approach to its holiday planning than Walmart, which said last month it would hire 40,000 U.S. workers for the holidays, compared to 150,000 in 2021.Amazon, which typically beefs up its operations during the holidays, was looking for the same number of seasonal employees last year.

FILE - Pod of killer whales. (Francois Gohier/VW Pics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)A research and conservation team based in South Africa claims it has captured the first detailed video evidence of orcas, also known as killer whales, hunting white sharks, according to a recent study. Drone and helicopter footage posted to Sea Search Research & Conservation’s YouTube channel shows clips from May 2022, which captured a pod of five killer whales in Mossel Bay, South Africa, actively hunting and eventually killing a white shark. "This behavior has never been witnessed in detail before, and certainly never from the air," said lead author Alison Towner, a senior shark scientist at Marine Dynamics Academy in Gansbaai, South Africa, in a news release. The footage only shows one hunting event but scientists believe at least three white sharks were killed. While killer whales have been observed hunting other shark species in the wild, this is the first time they were witnessed hunting white sharks in the Mossel Bay area, the news release continued.The study also highlighted the evasive tactics the white sharks took in order to avoid predation, also known as their flight response, which has never been observed before.

MERCED, Calif. - The suspect in the killing of a Merced family had worked for the victims at one point, according to a relative.A loved one told KTVU that Jesus Salgado, 48, once drove a truck for the family's company.The bodies of 8-month-old Aroohi Dheri, her parents Jasleen Kaur, 27, and Jasdeep Singh, 36; and her uncle Amandeep Singh, 39., were found at an orchard in Merced County two days after they were kidnapped at gunpoint from their business, police said.SEE ALSO: Body language analyzed while slain Merced family kidnapped"Our worst fears have been confirmed," Merced County Sheriff Vern Warnke said at a Wednesday night news conference.Warnke said the victims were close to each other when found by a farmworker tending to an almond orchard in a remote area near the town of Dos Palos, a town about 30 miles south of Merced where the family was kidnapped on Monday.A source close to the investigation told KTVU that the two brothers were killed with a machete. The source said Kaur was then shot as she held her baby girl in her arms.

ABBEY Clancy looked incredible as she showed off her abs after going on a health kick. The 36-year-old updated fans with how it has been going on social media.

PHILADELPHIA - It’s a common complaint in neighborhoods across Philadelphia – residents are tired of all the trash around their communities. There are some people actually paying for an extra service to get the job done."People are so fired up about this issue, maybe they wouldn’t be opposed to chipping in and paying for it themselves,"Morgan Berman said.The trash problem in Philadelphia is one of the city’s most well-documented and complained about issues.That’s often been the sentiment from small business owners and residents all across neighborhoods in Philly.

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 20: Full moon also known as "Hunter's Moon" rises behind the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, as seen from Jersey City of New Jersey in United States on October 21, 2021. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images LOS ANGELES - Yes, it's that time of year again.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam, a TNA Member of Parliament questioned the role of Foreign Minister Ali Sabry at the UN Human Rights Council Sessions in Geneva.' So my question today is, Minister Ali Sabry as Foreign Minister, is he representing Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council or he is representing his client Gotabaya Rajapaksa as the UN Human Rights Council," he told reporters.He said that Minister Sabry had told the UNHRC that economic crimes have not been committed in Sri Lanka, however, there is ample evidence to prove that economic crimes have been committed and Minister Ali Sabry is also responsible for these economic crimes because he was the Justice Minister who brought in the 20th Amendment to the Constitution at the time and spoke highly of the 20th Amendment. "Through the 20th Amendment, the President was given so much power that the President was able to single-handedly destroy this country's economy. Therefore economic crimes have been committed," he stressed."Our Dollar Reserves have been depleted completely.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam, a TNA Member of Parliament questioned the role of Foreign Minister Ali Sabry at the UN Human Rights Council Sessions in Geneva.' So my question today is, Minister Ali Sabry as Foreign Minister, is he representing Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council or he is representing his client Gotabaya Rajapaksa as the UN Human Rights Council," he told reporters.He said that Minister Sabry had told the UNHRC that economic crimes have not been committed in Sri Lanka, however, there is ample evidence to prove that economic crimes have been committed and Minister Ali Sabry is also responsible for these economic crimes because he was the Justice Minister who brought in the 20th Amendment to the Constitution at the time and spoke highly of the 20th Amendment. "Through the 20th Amendment, the President was given so much power that the President was able to single-handedly destroy this country's economy. Therefore economic crimes have been committed," he stressed."Our Dollar Reserves have been depleted completely.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Food Security and malnutrition is serious situation in Sri Lanka, today.In response to this, the College of General Practitioners of Sri Lanka and Gammadda aimed to help those who need it the most.For many years, Gammadda's focus has been helping those who need it the most. And over the past year, that has included supporting families with food security.Gammadda has been able to serve communities across Sri Lanka with the help of General Sri Lankans both here and overseasToday, the College of General Practitioners of Sri Lanka came forward to partner up with Gammadda, to support selected families get through these hard times.Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A special operation mounted by the Navy and Sri Lanka Coast Guard led to the interception of an Indian dhow carrying about 434kg (wet weight) of Kerala cannabis and the apprehension of 05 Indian suspects aboard, in northwestern waters yesterday (13).The coordinated operation also made way for the apprehension of a local fishing trawler and 05 Sri Lankan nationals, suspected to have a connection to the incident.Both Sri Lanka Navy and Sri Lanka Coast Guard remain ever alert to prevent wide-ranging illegal activities stemming from sea routes around the island. As an extension of these efforts, SLCGS Suraksha engaged in this special operation inspected a suspicious Indian dhow in Sri Lankan waters west of the Kudiramalai Point, Puttalam through the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) on 13th September. The inspection led to the recovery of about 434kg (wet weight) of Kerala cannabis in 09 sacks and it prompted SLCGS Suraksha to seize the stock of narcotics with 05 Indian suspects aboard the dhow.Meanwhile, SLCGS Suraksha also seized a local one-day fishing trawler with 05 Sri Lankans, on suspicion that the trawler had reached the sea area to transfer the consignment from the Indian dhow and bring them ashore.The street value of the stock of Kerala cannabis seized in this operation is believed to be over Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – India has called for full implementation of the 13th Amendment to Sri Lanka's Constitution, the controversial 1987 amendment that has never been completely implemented for 35 years due to vehement opposition from many of the country's Sinhala-dominated political parties.But what is the 13th Amendment that India's representative to the United Nations Human Rights Council highlighted, something that was drafted long before most Sri Lankans and Indians of today were even born? Here's a look.13A: Up to 1987, Sri Lanka was ruled from Colombo by a central government, which resulted in areas far from the capital being virtually ignored in development programs and day to day governance. The 13A, as it became known, required devolution of powers to nine Provincial Councils – Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western, Central, Northcentral, Uva, Sabaragamuwa and Wayamba (Northwestern).

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankans living in Zambia, via the Zambia Sri Lanka Friendship Association, recently donated 1,150 Rabies Vaccines to the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka. The donation was coordinated by the Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka to Zambia, while Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka will replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) with a more comprehensive national security legislation in accordance with international best practices, said Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, PC on Monday (12) to the United Nations Human Rights Commission.The Foreign Minister said that the Government is extremely sensitive to the socio-economic hardships faced by our people, and has initiated immediate multi-pronged measures to ensure their wellbeing through the provision of supplies essential to the life of the community. "A staff level agreement has been reached with the International Monetary Fund, and discussions on debt restructuring are in progress. The Government is in dialogue with UN agencies as well as bilateral partners to protect the most vulnerable from the adverse impacts of the crisis.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Administrator for the US Agency for International Development (USAID) Samantha Power, who was in Sri Lanka on a two-day official visit, left the country on Monday (12).According to the BIA, she left Sri Lanka at about 5:30 this morning onboard a Qatar Airways flight.On Saturday, the Administrator traveled to Ja-Ela, a town outside Colombo, and visited rice paddy fields where she sat down with farmers to hear about their experiences coping with fertilizer shortages, inflation, and decreased wages.The Administrator announced $40 million in new USAID development assistance, subject to Congressional approval, to provide fertilizer to approximately one million Sri Lankan farmers.On Sunday (11), Administrator Samantha Power announced an additional $20 million in humanitarian assistance to support Sri Lankans during the complex emergency that has resulted in a severe economic crisis leaving 5.7 million people in urgent need of food, agriculture, livelihood support, protection, and more. The two announcements made in Sri Lanka this weekend brings the total U.S. government assistance to Sri Lanka to nearly $240 million. On top of the USAID total contribution of $92 million, there is also $120 million from the U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The 51st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council is scheduled to be held from 12th of September and the 7th of October.During this period, the situation with regard to human rights in Sri Lanka and ways to promote accountability are due to be discussed.The Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry PC and the Minister of Justice Wijeyadasa Rajapaksa PC have left for Geneva to represent Sri Lanka at the session.Meanwhile, representing the Opposition, Samagi Jana Balawegaya's head of human rights MP Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); SJB MPs Mujibur Rahman, Dr.

Newsfirst.lk on Saturday, September 10, 2022 COLOMBO (News 1st); USAID Administrator Samantha Power, who is currently on a two-day visit, said that USD 40 million will be granted to the farmers of Sri Lanka from the people of USA, in order to assist 1 million farmers in Sri Lanka.She said this new funding is expected to help farmers to obtain the agricultural necessities and fertilizer they need in time for the next harvesting season, and will also help to provide for their families and communities.The USAID Administrator is due to meet with government officials, private sector representatives, as well as farmers and other Sri Lankans most impacted by the complex emergency to discuss how their lives have been affected by the current crisis.She also met with farmers in Ja-Ela and discussed the hardships which they faced.Pointing out that the USA has a history of working with the Sri Lankan people to spur economic development to support the resilience of Sri Lankans, Administrator Power said that it had become a difficult time for farmers to continue their livelihood. Citing a World Food Program report about food insecurity in Sri Lanka, Administrator Power said that it is a consequence of the economic crisis in the country.She also emphasized that the USA stands by Sri Lankans at this time of vulnerability, and looks foward to meeting more representatives within the two day visit.Administrator Power is also due to meet with parliamentary leaders representing various parties to learn their views on how to address the economic and political crises in Sri Lanka.During her visit, the Administrator will highlight the United States’ enduring support for the people of Sri Lanka and discuss issues related to food security, fuel

COLOMBO (News 1st); The State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tharaka Balasuriya, assumed duties at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday (9) at a modest ceremony. The Foreign Secretary, Aruni Wijewardane, and senior officials of the Ministry were present at the occasion.Addressing the officials, State Minister Balasuriya stated that he is looking forward to supporting Foreign Minister Ali Sabry in continuing the mandate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs efficiently to revitalize the economy of Sri Lanka during the current economic situation prevailing in the country.First elected to Parliament in 2015, State Minister Balasuriya, held the State Ministerial portfolio of Social Security, following the establishment of the new Government in November 2019.  Previously, he was a Member of the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council, to which he was elected in the year 2012.State Minister Tharaka Balasuriya earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Mathematics and Economics from the University of Wisconsin, US, and has a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former US Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power, who is also the Administrator for the US Agency for International Development or USAID will visit Sri Lanka on Saturday.USAID Administrator Samantha Power will make an official visit to Sri Lanka on Saturday and will remain in the country until Sunday.The purpose of the two-day visit is to discuss problems related to the prevailing economic crisis and strengthen the development partnership between the United States and Sri Lanka. She is expected to hold bilateral meetings as well.When she visited visited New Delhi in July, Ambassador Power said the Joe Biden administration and the Indian Government are “deeply concerned” by the economic collapse and crisis that has befallen the Sri Lankan people.The Administrator will meet with government officials, private sector representatives, as well as farmers and other Sri Lankans most impacted by the complex emergency to discuss how their lives have been affected and how the United States can best support them as they rebuild and recover. She will also meet with parliamentary leaders representing various parties to learn their views on how to address the economic and political crises in Sri Lanka. During her trip, the Administrator will highlight the United States’ enduring support for the people of Sri Lanka and discuss issues related to food security, fuel and essential item shortages, economic stability, and the impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine on the region.Administrator Power’s visit will underscore the United States’ commitment to addressing the urgent and intermediate needs facing Sri Lankans and to supporting a return to stability.  The Administrator will also reinforce USAID’s support for inclusive

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ministry of Health says that 50% of the country's population suffers from vitamin D deficiency.Health experts point out that this affects many health factors including the skeletal system of the human body.The Health Experts further said that the easiest way for the body to get vitamin D is to expose the skin to sunlight during the morning.– What is vitamin D deficiency?Vitamin D deficiency means that you are not getting enough vitamin D to stay healthy.– Why do I need vitamin D and how do I get it?Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. Calcium is one of the main building blocks of bone. Vitamin D also has a role in your nervous, muscle, and immune systems.You can get vitamin D in three ways: through your skin, from your diet, and from supplements.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The most challenging issued face by Sri Lanka today amid an economic, and political crisis is food security and hunger, and this was highlighted in a recent paper produced to the Cabinet of Ministers.It also states that the situation would grow even worse in the future.Quoting the United Nations, the Cabinet Paper also noted that 1.7 mn Sri Lankans seek immediate food assistance.Sri Lanka used to be known as a country that was self-sufficient in rice. So, how did it fall to its present state?After Sri Lanka invoked a complete ban on Chemical fertilizers, it simply gave away Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st): Sri Lanka's Justice Minister Dr.

Sri Lanka’s new Government should embark on a national dialogue to advance human rights and reconciliation, a UN report urges today, calling for accountability and deeper institutional reforms to prevent a recurrence of past violations. The report acknowledges that Sri Lanka is at critical juncture in its political life, and is in the midst of a serious economic crisis which has severely impacted the human rights of all communities and people of all walks of life. This has spurred broad-based demands by Sri Lankans from all communities for deeper reforms and accountability, and gives the Government a fresh opportunity to steer the country on a new path.For sustainable improvements to take place, however, it is vital to recognise and address the underlying factors which have contributed to the economic crisis, including embedded impunity for past and present human rights violations, economic crimes and endemic corruption.“Fundamental changes will be required to address the current challenges and to avoid repetition of the human rights violations of the past,” says the report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.The report calls on the Government to immediately end the reliance on draconian security laws and crackdowns on peaceful protest, reverse the drift towards militarisation and show renewed commitment to, and deliver on, security sector reform and ending impunity.While the security forces recently showed considerable restraint in response to mass protests, the Government has since taken a harder line approach, arresting some student leaders under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and violently suppressing peaceful protests.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka will not agree to any external mechanism to inquire into its human rights issues.The country's Foreign Minister speaking to reporters in Colombo on Monday (5) said the constitution only allows for a domestic mechanism on Human Rights.The 51st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is scheduled to be held from September 12 to October 07, 2022 in Geneva.The progress made by Sri Lanka with respect to its Human Rights record, will be up for review.The Government of then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa rejected the proposal for any external initiatives purportedly established by the Resolution 46/1, which was adopted earlier.Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, PC & Justice Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe will lead Sri Lanka's delgation to the UNHRC."Specific instructions have been given for engagement, we are looking at holistic solutions or lasting solutions for the problems or the grievances of all parties who have suffered the long term conflict in this country.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A committee was appointed by President's Secretary Saman Ekanayake to facilitate and efficiently carry out the process of repatriation of Sri Lankans who have gone to India as refugees due to the war, said the President's Media Division.The committee is headed by Ms. Chandima Wickramasinghe, Additional Secretary to the President, and the other members are the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration, senior official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, senior official of the Registrar General's Department and a senior official of the Ministry of Justice.This decision was reached during the discussion held on Monday (05) at the President's Office under the chairmanship of the President's Secretary Saman Ekanayake at the request of the Organization for Eelam Refugees Rehabilitation (OFERR), to bring back the Sri Lankans who have gone to India as refugees due to the war.It was stated that about 58,000 Sri Lankans are currently residing in Tamil Nadu, India as refugees and only 3,800 of them are ready to return to Sri Lanka at present.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A group led by Minister of Foreign Affairs  Ali Sabry is scheduled to leave for Geneva on Monday (5) to participate in the 51st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.The full entourage includes Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry, Minister of Justice Wijeyadasa Rajapaksa, and a group of officials from the Attorney General's Department and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.The 51st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council is scheduled to be held from the 12th September until 7th of October in Geneva.The Minister of Foreign Affairs, states that he rejects mechanisms involving external parties regarding accountability during this session.Moreover, the minister further mentioned that a solution will be reached regarding accountability in Sri Lanka via an internal mechanism.The minister is scheduled to address the 51st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council on 12th September.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Litro Gas has introduced an app for ordering gas cylinders, in order to enable overseas Sri Lankans to order gas cylinders for their relatives in Sri Lanka. The Chairman of Litro Gas, Muditha Peiris stated that overseas Lankans will be able to order gas cylinders for their relatives from the nearest dealer.Moreover, he said that purchases can be made via the app with the use of dollars, and the application will be introduced as a measure to mitigate the foreign exchange crisis in the country.